“We’re dressed in that all-black all year. We got a lot, a lot of goals to accomplish this season,” Irving said. “The team is excited. Obviously we know in the months to follow, we got a sleeping, sleeping monster that’s on our team right there.

“So for real, that’s my best friend and I want to send good health to him. But for the time being, we’re going to take over the whole entire city. It’s about us.”

This statement comes on the day of Irving’s first meeting with the New York Knicks as a member of the Nets. The rivalry is starting to pick up some steam and although the Knicks still dominate in terms of headlines, the Nets have the edge on the court.

Brooklyn is a bonafide playoff team while the Knicks are looking to establish a team identity for the first time with David Fizdale as head coach.

If the Nets can win a championship in the next few years, they’ll “take over” New York City without a doubt. No, they won’t ever eclipse the Knicks in the sheer size of the fan base, but that is irrelevant. Winning is the only thing that matters and the Nets can make a statement against their crosstown rivals on Friday.